Madhouse

A Single by Erinem (Released 03.24.2023)

Use the player below to listen while you read!

HOOK ONE

Sometimes all the talk it combines

When it gets in my mind,
 It’s like I’m living in a madhouse

Hardships, you don’t wanna solve shit

Just smoke yourself unconscious,
 It’s like I’m living in a madhouse

Heartless, they’ll sell you on a promise

But no one’s ever honest

‘Cause I’m

Living in a madhouse
 Living, living,
 Living, living,
 Living, living
 Living in a madhouse
 

VERSE ONE

I’d toast your success

But I’m all out of bread
 I won’t try to flex
 I’ll boast when I’m fed

You say you’re up next

And with all of that said

You can’t be the greatest

‘Til after I’m dead
 And let’s just confess
 It’s not like they said
 A few wear the crown
 But none get a head
 You were misled

Stalled when we all shoulda sped

Gotta re-tire just spinning our tread

Spending your bread just for the cred

A system existing to keep you in debt

And I’ve heard enough no’s
 I insist on a yes
 I followed the pros
 And went right off a ledge
 I don’t wanna doze

I’m resisting a rest
 I borrowed the clothes
 And I learned from the best

And I Kobayashi the test
 I wore every hat, but needed a vest
 I added the stabs
 I shortened my beats
 I added the hats
 The tempo increased
 So many wheels who needed the grease

I stayed in my lane and tried not to beef

I adapted my bars
 I rapped in their flows
 Engaged on the gram

When fans said hello

I shook every hand
 And smiled at my foes
 I dined with the suits
 I laughed at their jokes
 I sat with execs
 Who passed me the check

Even knowing I’m broke

They want me sedated
 I pass on the smoke
 No inhalation
 With my aspiration
 It’s no wonder I choked

HOOK TWO

Sometimes all the talk it combines

When it gets in my mind,
 It’s like I’m living in a madhouse

Hardships, you don’t wanna solve shit

Just smoke yourself unconscious,
 It’s like I’m living in a madhouse

Heartless, they’ll sell you on a promise

But no one’s ever honest

‘Cause I’m

Living in a madhouse
 Living, living,
 Living, living,
 Living, living
 Living in a madhouse
 

VERSE TWO

What’s the worth if these words don’t have purpose?!

If I just use what fits then I’m just not a wordsmith!
 You can teach me the tempo and hope that it sticks

Hope I rap like Megan who just chokes on a dick! (Ahh)

Feels like this box gets impossibly smaller

Feels like I’m still getting shoved into lockers!
 All these rules confining me
 I’ll finely shake ‘em off
 Mother fucking sheep just wanna keep me with the flock!

So many snakes under these new leaves I’m turning
 I’m starting to feel like I’m playing Steve Irwin
 I’m wanting a deal and I’m stalking Steve Berman

I’m starting to reel counting every conversion
 They want a Shaquille, a more General version
 A cog in the wheel but they got a spokesperson
 And it takes a certain person to bear the burden
 Of knowing when to get up, go, and close the curtain

What can I do?
 Yes, I picked up the clues
 I’m sitting there sweating
 They’re betting I’ll lose
 I’m getting the stares from the ties and the suits

There’d be nothing but air if the lies were reduced
 I know every angle
 I know how they cruise
 I’m working the long game

Their hypotenuse

With that liquor problem and ghost author too

Don’t be alarmed if you only get booze (boo's)
 Hype and confuse, look at them fighting for views

They insist I fit in, then they say “follow suit”
 I’m trying my best, show up in sweats and a noose

Fuck it, I’m just a duck playing goose
 Don’t gotta tell me about paying my dues
 You’re forcing a curfew on a recluse
 I’m not trying to make peace

I was flipping the deuce

‘Cause when you got nothing

There’s nothing to lose
 

OUTRO

Living, living
 Living, living
 Living, living
 Living in a madhouse

Living, living
 Living, living
 Living, living
 Living in a madhouse

(c). Erin Emily Wheeler, 2023.

Music & Lyrics by Erin Emily Wheeler